Indian women cricket’s first generation star Jhulan Goswami bid adieu to the game with her last match against England. It was heartening that the industrious and successful player, ended her career with a victory. For the followers of women’s cricket, Jhulan Goswami’s retirement brings tears and memories. Because she belongs to a generation of cricketers, who took to the game, when women’s cricket was in a very nascent stage.
Women’s cricket was nothing like today in early 2000s. No one even gave a slightest of importance to women’s cricket back then.
Starting in such circumstances in the year 2002, Goswami has retired in the times, when even women’s cricket is also getting TRPs, fat paychecks and rich sponsorships. In fact it can be opined with out any doubt that, the limelight and financial perks today’s women cricketers are enjoying are a result of the dedication and perseverance shown by cricketers of Jhulan Goswami’s generation.
Jhulan Goswami has played 204 ODI matches and took 255 wickets. Considered one of the all time great fast bowlers in women’s cricket, she is the highest wicket taker in women’s game. She is so highly respected that England team gave a guard of honour in her last game. That sums up a career well played.